Facebook to share data with Instagram, loosen email rules

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Facebook Inc is proposing to combine user data with that of recently acquired photo-sharing service Instagram, and will loosen restrictions on emails between members of the social network.Facebook also said on Wednesday it is proposing to scrap a 4-year old process that can allow the social network’s roughly 1 billion users to...

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In “Middle of Nowhere,” Cast Found Black Characters Beyond the Stereotypes

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) – When the black actors in “Middle of Nowhere” read the film’s script, they were shocked to find they could actually relate to the characters.Director Ava DuVernay‘s depiction of a Compton woman struggling while her husband is incarcerated resonated with her cast of actors. Before joining the...

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Actelion says lung drug macitentan submitted in Europe

ZURICH (Reuters) – Actelion has submitted heart and lung drug macitentan to European health regulators, the second major step for the drug the Swiss group is positioning as a viable successor to its current top seller.“The European Medicines Agency will now start the formal review process,” Actelion said on Thursday. It plans to sell the drug under the...

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Hamas-Israel ceasefire takes hold but mistrust runs deep

CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) - A ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers took hold on Thursday after eight days of conflict, although deep mistrust on both sides cast doubt on how long the Egyptian-sponsored deal can last. Even after the ceasefire came into force late on Wednesday, a dozen rockets from the Gaza Strip landed in Israel, all in open areas, a police spokesman said. In Gaza,...

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Greek PM presses for deal on loan

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece has reacted with dismay to the European Union‘s failure to agree to release vital rescue loan funds for the debt-ridden country, with the prime minister warning it was not just Greece’s future that hangs in the balance.The delay prolongs uncertainty over the future of Greece, which faces a messy default that would threaten...

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One Direction’s 2nd CD hits No. 1, sells 540,000

NEW YORK (AP) — One Direction‘s “Take Me Home” is the taking the boys to the top of the charts — and to new heights.The group’s sophomore album has sold 540,000 in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It’s the year’s third-highest debut behind Taylor Swift‘s “Red,” which sold 1.2 million units its first week earlier this month, and Mumford &...

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U.S. releases new health insurance reform rules

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. administration on Tuesday proposed new health insurance rules aimed at ending discrimination against the sick and guaranteeing minimum benefits for millions of Americans who are expected to obtain coverage under President Barack Obama‘s healthcare reform law.The rules, unveiled by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen...

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Gaza shakes, Israelis killed as Clinton seeks truce

GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli air strikes shook the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rockets struck across the border as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held talks in Jerusalem in the early hours of Wednesday, seeking a truce that can hold back Israel's ground troops. Egypt's new Islamist government is mediating talks and had floated hopes for a ceasefire by late Tuesday between...

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U.S. fiscal impact of great concern to Canada: Canada’s Harper

TORONTO (Reuters) – Any fiscal problems that would significantly slow the U.S. economy would be of great concern to Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Monday.The United States needed a credible medium-term fiscal plan, Harper said at a business forum in Ottawa, adding that he was following the U.S. fiscal debate with “great interest.” (Reporting...

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Jackie Chan: upcoming film will be last big action movie

BEIJING (Reuters) – Kung Fu superstar Jackie Chan said that while the upcoming film “Chinese Zodiac 2012″ will be his last major action movie, citing his increasing age, he will still be packing punches in the world of philanthropy.Chan wrote, directed and produced his latest film, set to premiere in cinemas in China next month. He also plays the lead...

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